Background: Beta2m accumulation induces disease in patients with end-stage renal failure (ESRF). Thus, its removal from patients with ESRF appears desirable. Current dialysis technology, however, has limited effectiveness.
Aims: To measure beta2m clearance with a novel super high flux membrane.
Design: Ex vivo experimental study.
Setting: Intensive Care Laboratory of Tertiary institution.
Subjects: Six volunteers.
Measurements and results: At a blood flow of 300 ml/min, the clearance of beta2-MG increased from 113.5 +/- 38.5 ml/min with a dialysate flow rate of 200 ml/min to 184.8 +/- 61.1 ml/min with a flow rate of 300 ml/min and 195.0 +/- 60.0 ml/min with a 500 ml/min flow rate. The clearance of albumin was 4.5 ml/min with a dialysate flow rate of 200 ml/min, 5.2 ml/min for a flow rate of 300 ml/min and 5.8 ml/min for a flow rate of 500 ml/min.
Conclusions: High levels of beta2m clearance can be achieved with a super high flux membrane while albumin losses remain limited.